On June 9, 2016, a Yuma Sector Border Patrol agent assigned to the Yuma Station was involved in a deadly use of force shooting incident. One suspect is confirmed deceased as a result of shots fired by the Border Patrol agent defending himself.

A group of illegal aliens had been taken into custody by the Border Patrol agent and were awaiting transport to a Border Patrol station when one illegal alien began assaulting the agent. The suspect viciously and repeatedly attacked the agent causing injuries to his head, face, and limbs.

Due to this brazen assault, the Border Patrol agent had no choice but to defend himself or else face an ongoing violent assault. The suspect was wounded and eventually succumbed to his wounds at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC). The Border Patrol agent was also transported to YRMC and treated for multiple injuries.

National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd stated, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured agent for a speedy recovery from his injuries. This incident speaks to the very real dangers that Border Patrol agents face every day from the criminals illegally crossing our borders. Border Patrol agents must continue to have the training, equipment, and ability to defend themselves in the face of these lethal threats.”